Super Flu Marak during the Pandemic, Doctors Reveal Causes and Symptoms

JAKARTA - Lately, the term super flu has been widely discussed by the public as complaints of flu have increased, which are felt to be heavier and last longer than usual.

This condition often appears during the time of adversity, when unpredictable weather changes affect the body's resistance and trigger an increase in respiratory tract infection transmission.

Sari Asih Sangiang Hospital General Practitioner, dr. Siti Nur R. Firda Fauziyah, explained that the spike in cases, which the public calls "Super Flu", is closely related to environmental and weather factors.

The change of season creates conditions that allow the virus to survive longer and spread faster, especially in areas with high population density.

"Another factor that causes this Super Flu to increase is that the influenza virus and other respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), adenovirus and parainfluenza continue to undergo mutation changes," said dr. Siti Nur R. Firda Fauziyah in Tangerang Friday.

He emphasized that the term "Super Flu" is actually not an official medical terminology. This term is used in a general sense to describe respiratory tract infections whose symptoms are more severe and last longer than the common flu.

Symptoms that are often experienced include high fever that goes up and down, severe body pain, and a cough that does not improve for weeks. This condition often causes confusion in the community because it is difficult to distinguish from COVID-19 infection.

"This phenomenon can occur due to an immunity gap. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of masks, social restrictions, and reduced mobility make the body rarely exposed to the influenza virus. When activities return to normal, the immune system is not fully prepared to face the increased exposure to respiratory viruses," he said.

Furthermore, dr. Siti emphasized that until now there has been no evidence of a new type of more dangerous influenza virus. The increase in cases is due to the return of the circulation of respiratory viruses that have been known for a long time.

He explained that flu with severe symptoms generally has differences compared to mild flu which usually recovers in three to five days. In this condition, patients can experience extreme fatigue, severe sore throat, muscle and joint pain throughout the body, and a longer duration of illness.

"These symptoms often cause concern because they resemble COVID-19 infections, so medical examination is still necessary if the complaints are severe or do not improve," he said.

For prevention, the public is encouraged to get vaccinated against influenza regularly every year, maintain body resistance with balanced nutrition, and implement clean and healthy living habits.

The use of masks when necessary, maintaining hand hygiene, meeting the body's fluid needs, and drinking enough water is also important to maintain the moisture of the respiratory tract.

However, Dr. Siti reminded the public to immediately go to a health facility if they experience high fever that does not go down for more than three days, shortness of breath or chest pain, and a severe cough that interferes with daily activities.

"Early treatment is very important to prevent complications such as pneumonia, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with comorbidities," he said.